DWTS winners have landed on their feet
What Glitterball champs did after their TV triumphs
BY
SHE’S going from Dancing With The Stars to running for office.
Champion jockey Nina Carberry has announced her intention to stand for Fine Gael in the upcoming European Elections.
Nina (39) was always well-known as a champion jockey with a 17year riding career and from a famous racing family.
But she became a household name after winning RTE’S Dancing With The Stars in 2022.
Her performance on the series — with pro-dancer Pasquale La Rocca — was regarded as one of the best since it started.
The show is known to give a boost to careers, and Nina has mentioned her winning turn on DWTS in her nomination video to constituency members.
Nina said she had proven herself in sport and business and “looks forward to bridging my drive and determination to this new opportunity.”
But as nifty Nina waltzes into politics, what about the other Dancing With the Stars winners?
Has the show helped boost their careers?
JASON SMYTH 2024
Sprint runner Jason was crowned winner of this year’s show on Sunday, after an emotional blindfolded dance with partner Karen Byrne.
Paralympic gold medallist Jason is visually impaired and so Karen chose to dance with a blindfold in order to step into his shoes.
He said after his win that he will go straight back to his job in Paralympics Ireland — but already, his main ambition has been realised.
Jason (36), who has Stargardt disease, affecting his central vision, wanted to prove anything is possible.
Smyth said: “For me, the message is about what’s possible. I’ve come from zero dancing, I’ve got less than 10pc vision.
“I’ve improved massively over this period of time and a huge part of that is Karen. To be in the final and to win has changed the perception.”
He is poised for a future in activism around challenging perceptions of those with disabilities.
CARL MULLAN
2023
Breakfast radio host Carl was the surprise winner last year — as the show was his experience of dancing.
Carl was visibly stunned when he and dance partner were announced the winners. He said: “It’s an out of body experience.”
Carl (33) returned to his job on 2FM, presenting the morning show along with Doireann Garrihy and Donnacha O’callaghan.
But he’s been busy raising two small children — welcoming a second baby with his wife Aisling.
Baby Eala was born last August, while their son Daibhi arrived in 2021.
LOTTIE RYAN 2020
first
The entertainment reporter lifted the Glitterball Trophy in March 2020 — just as Ireland went into lockdown.
As a result the pandemic Dancing With The Stars finale was a surreal
one. Continuing Covid restrictions put the kibosh on the series in 2021.
The entertainment reporter on 2FM (38) has gone onto podcasting presenting Dancing With The Stars and Jen and Lottie Do Parenting.
She had her first child, a little boy called Wolfie, with husband Fabio April in June 2021.
MAIREAD RONAN 2019
Mairead was the first woman to win the show, after conquering nerves and self-confidence issues to lift the trophy.
She celebrated her win with pro dancer John Nolan by going for a Mcdonalds after.
At the time, Mairead (43) was on a career break to try out other projects after leaving Today FM. She returned to the station after her DWTS triumph, hosting her own midday
show. But she left again in 2021, to spend more time with her husband and three children.
JAKE CARTER 2018
Singer Jake Carter found lasting love thanks to Dancing With the Stars, with pro dancer Karen Byrne.
Karen (30) celebrated her win with
Jason Smyth last Sunday, but the last time she won was in 2018 — with now boyfriend Jake (25).
They fell in love during the show and got together afterwards and have been a couple ever since.
After winning twice, Karen is being tipped for one of the global TV contests, such as BBC’S Strictly. While Jake (25), brother of singer Nathan, is busy releasing his new album and starring in pantos.
AIDAN O’MAHONY 2017
The Kerry GAA star was the first winner of the show and is the most low-key. Unassuming Aidan (43) returned to his job as a garda in Tralee where he is still working.
The All-ireland medallist and Allstar has dedicated his time to charity projects and is the ambassador for CRY, Cardiac Risk in the Young.
When rumours went around that an EX-DWTS champ would run for Fine Gael in the European elections, Aidan’s name was first in the frame. But it turned out to be dark horse Nina who was putting herself forward.